ExpressVPN Review: Discover Important Key Features at a Glance

To get to the bottom of it all, I’ll be running speed tests on various servers and protocols, meticulously studying every security feature to assess its efficacy and testing compatibility with multiple streaming platforms. I’ll compare it with other VPN providers in Canada to see how it holds up. For now, here’s a brief overview of the service:

The Full Scoop on Using ExpressVPN in Canada

ExpressVPN is a favourite among Canadians looking to get their online security sorted. Let’s get going and find out what it has to offer for Canadian users.nds. Their service, their speed, and their customer service make them stand out from the competition.

The pros and cons of ExpressVPN

No review would be complete without a quick overview of this provider’s strengths and areas where it could improve. A few key pros and cons, include:

Pros

Cons

The plans and pricing

This wide variety of high-end features and support systems do come at a premium price. ExpressVPN’s pricing structure can be outlined as follows:

• 1 month plan: $12.95/month
• 6 months plan: $9.99/month
• 12 months plan: $8.32/month

The available payment methods range from the Canadian favourite Interac, to other methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin. The question is: Is the quality worth the price? Considering all the benefits that come with the service, it is definitely worth your money.

It is also worth mentioning that the service has a special deal, where you can get 3 months of your 12-month contract for free (making the total only $6.67). Furthermore, if you don’t find it improving your life within the first 30 days, you’re entitled to a full refund. If this price still seems too steep, sneak a peek at our recommendations for the best cheap VPN for Canadians.

The day-to-day operation and jurisdiction

ExpressVPN operates out of the British Virgin Islands, which have their own laws and governing bodies. They have no data retention laws, and are outside the “14 Eyes” intelligence-sharing group. In essence, this means that it can prioritize keeping your data private, while avoiding those big international spy agreements. All in all, you’re given a safer option here, than with providers like the Netherlands-based Surfshark VPN.

Read on: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

Good to know: ExpressVPN is registered under Express Technologies Ltd., a big deal in global cybersecurity. They have 4 million active users, and have been operating under the wing of Kape Technologies since September 2021. The headquarters are in Hong Kong.

All about the servers

For your VPN connection to be reliable, safe, and quick, you’ll be using virtual server locations. This means that your online activity will appear as if it’s originating from another country (of your choice), while it’s actually being channelled through a server in a country with better connectivity. The server network covers over 2,000 ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, with options up to 10-Gbps. This selection is pretty great, and all of the ones I tested gave me their all, in terms of speed and reliability.

Tip: Use the ExpressVPN Smart Location feature to secure the fastest VPN connection possible. It automatically selects the most reasonable server location for you based on download speed, distance, and latency.

You might also want to take a look at our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison and review.

Where Are the ExpressVPN Servers Located?

If there is a server that you need in a particular city, chances are that you’re going to find it with ExpressVPN. The service’s servers are spread out across North and South America, Europe, Asia, The Middle East and Africa.

If, at any time, you have any questions about whether servers are up or down, you can check their servers in real time.

The all-important security features

Is this service safe? The short answer is yes. It features advanced encryption, tunnelling protocols, and a few other high-level security measures.

• Top-Tier Encryption: The service uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, which is about as secure as you can get in today’s world.
• Tunnelling: This process automatically creates data packets that shields your data from public scrutiny.
• Protocols: ExpressVPN allows you to select from several VPN protocols, including IKEv2 and OpenVPN, but highly recommends its very own Lightway (I do, too).

A Comprehensive Overview: ExpressVPN’s Efficiency Examined in Detail

Kill switch

This virtual network comes with its own default version of a kill switch known as Network Lock for Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. It essentially safeguards your data at all times, particularly when your VPN connection drops due to a power issue or a change in the Wi-Fi network

Strong no-logs policy

ExpressVPN doesn’t keep activity or connection logs, and they seem to be pretty strict about it. This means it won’t store your downloads, web history, or any other private information. However, they do store some non-activity data. Moreover, they consistently engage independent auditors and testers to verify their privacy policy.

Streaming

Stream to your heart’s content. This service is compatible with Hulu, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Wikipedia, Disney+, Spotify, Google, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, YouTube, ESPN, HBO, ITV Player, Discovery+, and more. We highly recommend it as one of the best VPNs for Netflix streaming as well.

Speed check

Since VPNs encrypt your data, they can sometimes slow your internet speed. How much it goes down depends on your operating system, the type of device you’re using, and how far away the server is.

The multiple speed tests I carried out were enough to show that this provider lives up to its reputation. Here’s a closer look at my findings:

Customer support

We would be remiss if we did not discuss the customer support offered by ExpressVPN. The options are as follows:

Support Type	Availability
Live chat	24/7/365
Email support	support@expressvpn.com
Phone support	No
FAQs	Yes
Blog	Yes; privacy news, how-to guides, and more.

I love using the live chat option mainly for its reliability. It never took me more than one minute to connect with a human representative. They also have some pretty amazing instructional videos on YouTube for step-by-step guides on many things, like how to install the service on your phone or your Amazon Fire Stick, and much more. To date, I honestly haven’t seen another VPN with the same level of customer service as what ExpressVPN offers.

Final Thoughts on My ExpressVPN Review: Do I Recommend It?

Absolutely! Of all the  VPN services reviewed on Privacy Canada, ExpressVPN sits very close to the top (if not #1). While ExpressVPN is slightly pricier than the other top contenders in the market, you get what you pay for. It’s incredibly secure with best-in-class encryption and offers a fast and reliable connection regardless of your location. It also comes with some great features. I say, give it a shot—chances are you won’t regret it!

FAQs

Q: Can I use ExpressVPN for free?

A: Unfortunately, no. However, any subscription you pick comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, there’s zero risk in trying them out—at least not for the first month. If you do want your money back, simply reach out to the customer support team via live chat or email and request a refund.

Q: Does ExpressVPN log my activity?

A: No, this service strongly prioritizes the privacy of its customers and, therefore, doesn’t stow activity or connection logs. However, it still collects minimal data for operational purposes such as account management and troubleshooting.

Q: Does ExpressVPN work on Android devices?

A: Yes, it works really well on Android. It comes as an easy-to-use app you can grab from the Google Play Store. The app is packed with solid security features like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunnelling so you can decide which apps should use the VPN.

Q: Is it legal to use ExpressVPN?

A: Yeah, it’s legal in most places around the world. This includes Canada, the US and the UK, mainly because its main aim is to help you secure your online activities and protect your personal information. However, some countries, like Turkmenistan, Iraq, Belarus, and Iran, have strict regulations around the use of VPNs.